Kozhikode District - Importance

Importance of Kozhikode:

In the field of education: Kozhikode had its hold in the educational field even in the early and medieval periods. One of the most important of such centres was Kozhikode itself. Under the rule of the enlightened Zamorins, it became famous all over South India as a rendezvous of scholars and men of learning.

In the field of agriculture: Kozhikode district has a rich heritage in agriculture as it was a port city famous for pepper & spice trade. Agriculture plays a major role in the district economy.

In the field of fishing: Kozhikode district is endowed with a coast line of 71 kms., stretching from Chaliyar to Azhiyoor.The district is rich in brackish water area and there is great scope for shrimp farming too. In the coastal belt, fishing is the main occupation of a large number of people. The allied industries such as ice plant, freezing and processing units also provide employment to around 5,000 people in the district. As a whole, the fishing industry makes a sizeable contribution to the economy of the district as well as the State.

In the field of sea transport: The Port of Kozhikode, Beypore and Badagara are open for foreign and coastal trade. Eventhough the port is opened for traffic, there has been no traffic during the recent years. Long ago it was famous for ship building which is located at Beypore. The boat building yards of this place are world renowned and boats made here are called Uru. These Urus used to carry goods to Arabia and were known for their seafaring quality.The shift in technology has reduced Beypore craftsmen to toy makers. Now Urus are made as toys and sold as souvenirs .

In the field of media : Kozhikode district occupies a prominent place in the history of Malayalam Journalism. The origin of journalism in this district can be traced back to 1880. Kozhikode has the unique distinction of being the production centre of almost all major Malayalam Newspapers and dailies,weeklies, fortnightlies and monthlies.The Kozhikode station of All India Radio was commissioned on 14th May, 1950 and it has two transmitters-Kozhikode A of 100 kilowatt power and Kozhikode B (Vividh Bharathi) of 1 Kilowatt power.

In the field of heritage stuctures : Kozhikode has many heritage structures in the city, the old mosques around the Kuttichira square and the Muslim houses nearby are architecturally rich.The temple too has its gifts in sculptures and inscriptions.Thiruvilangad temple contains many ancient sculptures.

In the field of cultural arts and festivals :
Kozhikode is famous for its martial art called Kalaripayyattu. The Northern kalarippayattu gives more emphasis on weapons than on empty hands. Northern kalarippayattu is distinguished by its meippayattu physical training and use of full-body oil massage. The system of treatment and massage, and the assumptions about practice are closely associated with Ayurveda.The historian Elamkulam Kunjan Pillai attributes the birth of northern kalarippayattu to an extended period of warfare between the Cheras and the Cholas in the 11th century.

In the field of tourism: Kozhikode has a lot to offer the visitors. The Beaches-Kappad, Kozhikode, Beypore, Bird sanctuary, Planetarium, Science Lab etc make the visit worthwhile.

In the field of personalities: V.K. Krishna Menon-who was the Defence Minister in Jawaharlal Nehru's cabinet, P.T Usha -The queen of Indian track and field, etc. are the well known prsonaliies from Kozhikode.

In the field of Sports : The Kozhikode city known as the Second Mecca of football lovers (first being Calcutta) has a flood-lit stadium constructed by the Municipal Corporation. Near to this, stands a pucca indoor stadium of the District Sports Council. P.T. Usha , the Indian Sprint queen from Payoli, Kozhikode is the one who brought applauds to Kerala and India from the world over.